Pagadian City Mayor Samuel S. Co agreed for the temporary relief of his Chief of Police Senior Inspector (PSI) Oscar Tan Buenaobra after he received an order from PNP Provincial Director Ramon M. Ochotorena on December 25, 2007 for Buenaobra's temporary relief as Chief of Police (COP). It is customary that the mayor is furnished a copy of the order for his decision.

PSI Buenaobra was temporarily relieved as COP of Pagadian City Police Station and was replaced by his Deputy, PSI Rafael Cabanatan Odevilas effective December 25, 2007 in the afternoon to give way to the on-going investigation conducted on the reported mauling incident at the Plaza Luz this city. Buenaobra is still the Group Commander of the 905th Provincial Mobile Group (PMG) and the S2 of the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (PZSPPO).

It was learned that General Nehemias Pajarito, Commanding General of the First Infantry “TABAK” Division, Philippine Army, called Mayor Co regarding the mauling incident that happened on December 24 at 12:45 midnight at the Plaza Luz fronting the City Hall wherein a member of the Philippine Army's Tabak Division was one of the victims. The suspects were reportedly members of the Pagadian City Police headed by COP Buenaobra.

Mayor Mirrar Files Complaint

In a related incident, Lakewood Municipal Mayor Domingo Mirrar filed a complaint against COP Buenaobra after his daughter Aurora Mirrar and her companion Lenny Tabano was also mauled and detained at the Police Station without any crime being committed. (read the incident with photos of the women here)

It was recalled that for several times Mayor Co defended COP Buenaobra to remain as COP of the Pagadian City Police (see article on Mayor Co's support) . The most recent was after the Justice Hall filed a petition for Buenaobra's relief following an incident also of mauling and brandishing his fire arm at one justice hall employee inside the Justice Hall and threatening Judge Anicito Galon, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 20.

COP Buenaobra was not relieved that time after he was supported by Mayor Sammy Co and Governor Aurora Cerilles. He was also supported through petitions and resolutions from different sectors like the NGO's, Civic Organizations, the Chinese chamber of commerce and the City Council and the Liga ng mga Barangay because of his laudable accomplishments in fighting against lawless elements aincluding the campaign against illegal drugs.